WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO EXERCISE

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO EXERCISE

Research has shown that exercise can be an effective way to reverse this downward cycle of worsening pain, and gradually over time help those with chronic pain engage more in activities of enjoyment and essential activities of daily living with greater ease.

THINGS TO REMEMBER:

Remember that ‘Exercise is Medicine’ and is an important daily strategy used to assist in the management of pain conditions.

Stretch to cool down, not warm up, and do short bursts of exercise, not long stretches.

It is important to start slowly when beginning an exercise program, and avoid pushing into stronger pain. It is often useful to use the 0-10 scale to monitor your pain levels while exercising.

If pain levels increase by more than 2 points from baseline you should stop and modify that exercise, to ensure that you do not cause a flare up of your pain.